Why is the validated address different from the original address?

Question

I have checked multiple sources and all my records show that this address is correct. Why then is your system "correcting" these addresses to different ones.

Input Address3500 Chambers Road, McAlester, OK 74501

Changes to:563 W Chambers Rd McAlester OK 74501-2287

This input address has been confirmed by the recipient as a good address so this makes no sense at all. I've tried the input address 10 different ways and it happens each time.

Input AddressRR 1 BOX 194 SAN AUGUSTINE, TX 75972-3619

Changes to:2744 FM 1279 SAN AUGUSTINE, TX 75972-3619

Answer

Typically, the USPS is the authority on addresses. They determine which addresses they will deliver to and they also determine which ZIP Code a certain address pertains to based on the delivery route. So, there are multiple reasons why an address might be corrected to something other than the expected address. Some of those reasons are really good, like this one:

The input address has an exact match in the USPS LACSLink® database. The LACSLink® database is an effort to convert rural-style addresses to city-style addresses (addresses with actual locations instead of just boxes).

It began with the implementation of the national 911 emergency service address database. The USPS is attempting to phase out the RR addresses in favor of actual physical addresses. The two addresses that you see are identical; BOTH addresses are for the same location. The RR 1 Box 194 is a delivery unit (or box) while the 2744 FM 1279 address is an actual physical address. You can mail to either location and it will get there. The Postal Service linked their database with the national 911 emergency directory so that emergency service providers such as fire trucks and ambulances can find the address associated with a phone number. If 911 gets a call from a phone number that is registered to RR 1 Box 194, they can't actually find someone at that location but if they drive to 2744 FM 1279, they'll be able to help the person that made the call. In the case of this address, that is the reason that you are getting this other address. It has been converted to an accurate street address.